Insert Main Title - Dulwich College Shanghai

The Research Process
PREPARING THE ESSAY
Owing to the diversity of subjects and the different approaches to research, this guide
does not offer detailed advice on the methods and skills of research. However, a
systematic process, shaped by the nature of the subject, is essential to generate and
gather information and ideas that can be used to develop a convincing answer to the
specified research question.
The Choice of Subject
The subject in which the Extended Essay is registered must be chosen from the list of
available subjects given in the handbook for procedures of the Diploma programme,
indicated above.
It is advisable to choose the subject for the Extended Essay before deciding what the topic
or research question of the Extended Essay will be. Since the IBO specifies the range of
permitted subjects; certain topics may not be appropriate as an Extended Essay.
The subject chosen for the Extended Essay does not have to be one of the subjects being
studied by the candidate for the Diploma, but care should be taken to choose a subject in
which the candidate has sufficient knowledge and skills. Candidates should also base the
choice of subject on the level of personal interest they have in that particular subject.
It is also to be remembered that whatever subject and/or topic is chosen, it must not
contain any repetition of what material has been covered in class and must therefore be
an extension of that knowledge.
The Choice of Topic
The topic of the Extended Essay is the particular area of study within the chosen subject.
Before a final decision is made about the choice of topic the relevant subject guidelines
should be carefully considered.
Candidates should aim to choose a topic that is both interesting and challenging to them.
The topic chosen should be limited in scope and sufficiently narrow to allow candidates to
examine an issue or problem in depth. It should present the candidate with the
opportunity to collect or generate information and/or data for analysis and evaluation.
Candidates are not expected to make a contribution to knowledge within a subject.
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